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Lung & Breathing Conditions
Question #21496
45 days ago
139

How to manage breathing difficulties.. - #21496

Nand kishor

The patient experiences a strong and unpleasant smell sensation, mainly from the left nostril. There is thick, foul-smelling mucus present. The patient has difficulty breathing, and the sound of breathing is very loud. There is persistent nasal discharge, and the nose keeps running continuously.

300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
44 days ago
5

Hello Nand Kishor Thanks for describing the symptoms in detail. Persistent, foul-smelling nasal discharge (especially from one side), thick mucus, difficulty breathing, and loud breathing sounds can be signs of a chronic sinus or nasal infection. Sometimes, it could also be due to a foreign body (especially in children), nasal polyps, or a severe sinusitis that hasn’t responded to usual treatment.

Rx- Tab Amoxicillin 625 mg - one in morning, one at night after food for 7 days Tab - Montac lc - one at night for 7 days Nasal drop - Xylometazoline

Take these medicine and you will find relief soon … After still you find difficulty then kindly visit ENT specialist.

Thank you

691 answered questions
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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
41 days ago
5

Hello Nand Kishor, thank you for sharing your concern. From what you mentioned it looke like an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection only and I’ll be sharing prescription for the same below. But each and every breathing difficulty needs yo be evaluated for serious hear and lung problems. So kindly visit a certified Physician for ECG and Lung evaluation.

- Tab. Bilastine + Montelukast at night × 7 days. - Nasal Saline Drops- one drop in each nostril every 6 hours.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine.

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Dr. Alan Reji
I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.
41 days ago
5

A strong foul smell from one nostril with thick discharge, nasal blockage, and noisy breathing strongly suggests conditions like chronic sinus infection, foreign body, or atrophic rhinitis, and it needs direct examination. This is not something to ignore because unilateral foul smell is not normal and usually has a local cause that can be treated. Please consult an ENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) as soon as possible for nasal endoscopy and appropriate medical or surgical management.

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
44 days ago
5

Hello dear See as per history it seems rhinitis or purulent cough. Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation Please share the result with ent surgeon in person for better clarity Nasal swab Water view Culture PCR Esr CBC Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Regards

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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
44 days ago
5

The symptoms described strong foul smell from one nostril (left side), thick foul-smelling mucus, loud breathing, continuous nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing are most suggestive of a chronic unilateral nasal infection, such as chronic sinusitis, nasal foreign body (especially if symptoms started suddenly), or an infected nasal polyp. The foul odor strongly indicates bacterial infection with retained secretions rather than simple allergy.

Breathing difficulty and noisy airflow occur because the nasal passage is partially blocked by infected mucus and inflamed tissue.

This condition will not resolve on its own and requires ENT (ear, nose, and throat) evaluation. Management typically involves nasal saline irrigation, appropriate antibiotics, nasal steroid spray, and sometimes imaging (X-ray or CT scan of sinuses) to identify the cause of obstruction. If a foreign body or polyp is present, removal or surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Based on your description, it sounds like the patient might be experiencing symptoms consistent with nasal obstruction, possibly related to chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or another form of nasal cavity inflammation. First and foremost, ensuring that the patient can safely breathe is a priority. If breathing difficulties escalate into severe shortness of breath or the patient shows signs of distress, immediate medical evaluation is necessary. However, if the symptoms are moderate and manageable at home, several steps can assist. Encourage the use of saline nasal sprays or rinses to help thin the mucus and promote drainage, which might alleviate some blockage. Over-the-counter decongestants could provide temporary relief, but they shouldn’t be used continuously to avoid rebound congestion. Steam inhalation or a humidifier might be helpful in keeping nasal passages moist and comfortable. For loud breathing sounds, ensure there’s no misuse of medications like nasal decongestant sprays, as prolonged use can worsen congestion. Despite these measures, if symptoms persist beyond a week without improvement, worsen, or include high fevers, facial swelling, or severe headache, consult with a healthcare professional. These could indicate complications or require more directed interventions, such as antibiotics or imaging studies to assess underlying issues in the sinuses. A specialist like an ENT may be needed for further evaluation and treatment options such as nasal endoscopy to investigate any structural causes like a deviated septum or the presence of large polyps. Remember that managing underlying allergic responses with antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays might also prove beneficial if allergic rhinitis is contributing, but these should align with physician guidance for safe and appropriate use.

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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
41 days ago
5

Hello,

Likely cause: Chronic sinus infection or nasal blockage

Please consult an ENT for proper evaluation And treatment

Meanwhile, please do : Steam inhalation 2–3× daily Saline nasal rinse/spray twice daily Keep head elevated while sleeping Drink plenty of fluids

Tab Moxclav 625 mg 1-0-1 *5 days Tab Montek lc 0-0–1 for 5 days If nasal congestion persists, use xylometazoline drops

This is not asthma—it’s likely a nose/sinus problem that needs ENT care.

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